Cantwell: National Defense Authorization Act Invests in Washington State Servicemembers; Funds PFAS Cleanup

Statement

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) cheered Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022, which contains a number of provisions to help Washington servicemembers and their families, reform the way the military addresses sexual assault, and clean up contamination from harmful PFAS chemicals near military installations. The NDAA passed the Senate today by a vote of 88-11 and now goes to President Biden's desk for his signature.

"This bill invests in Washington servicemembers and their families by guaranteeing 12 weeks of parental leave and creating a basic needs allowance, along with authorizing $517 million in new funding specifically targeted for PFAS research and cleanup," said Senator Cantwell. "It also reforms how the military handles sexual assault allegations, creating a more independent process to investigate and prosecute crimes. The reforms included in the NDAA are essential to addressing this epidemic."

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